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Odisha bans transportation of mineral-laden trucks on NH

Worried over damage to highways due to rush of mineral-laden lorries, the Odisha government has enforced a 10-day-long prohibition on the movement of Paradip port bound ore-laden trucks on NH-5(A).

The busy highway otherwise called as Paradip-Daitary Expressway incidentally happens to be the principal road connection between the mineral-rich areas and the Paradip port.

“There would be no movement of ore-carrying trucks towards the port on the highway. The order would remain in force till October 9,” said Niranjan Nayak, the Collector of Kendrapara district.

Ban till Oct. 9

The decision in this regard was undertaken by the Mines Directorate as people of NH-side villages were being greatly inconvenienced due to traffic jam.

“The administration of Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts have also been informed of the prohibition and requested implementation of the order. The Paradip Port Trust has also been directed to stop further unloading of ores,” Mr Nayak said.

Unregulated plying of ore-laden trucks on the highway, widely regarded as the busiest road route in the State, has become the order of the day. As a result, it has triggered the worse form of traffic jams, paralyzing normal life of local residents, mainly in Kendrapara district.

Normal life hit

The district administration has initiated the drastic move under Rule-115 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, besides on the basis of regulation framed under the Orissa motor vehicle rules, the Collector said.

After banning movement of mineral-laden lorries, Mr Nayak said, “In the event the situation does not improve, the duration of ban on movement of ore-laden trucks would be further increased.” - PTI